FTC sends $9.3 million in refunds to Ab Circle Pro buyers

Ads claimed using this device for three minutes a day would make you thin.

If you bought an exercise device known as the Ab Circle Pro, a refund could be on the way.

The Federal Trade Commission said today an administrator is mailing 196,969 checks averaging $47.51 each to consumers who bought the gadget.

In August 2012, the FTC settled with Ab Circle Pro marketers Fitness Brands, four individuals, and seven other companies, after alleging that the defendants had deceptively advertised that exercising on the device for just three minutes a day would cause consumers to lose 10 pounds in two weeks.

The checks, which total $9.3 million, must be cashed within 60 days after they are issued.

The deadline for filing a refund request has expired. Consumers who have questions should call 1-866-402-4752. For general refund information, see http://www.FTC.gov/refunds. The FTC never requires consumers to pay money or provide information before redress checks can be cashed.